A STOCKPORT construction company named after a Catholic saint has offered a heaven-sent opportunity to Salford teenager Richie McNamara.

Richie, 17 is looking forward to a bright future with Bosco Construction named after St John Bosco - after joining the company on a 12-week contract working on the new Salford NHS Trust community and health centre.

The teenager was offered the job as part of a Salford Council initiative to boost employment prospects for local job hunters by encouraging contractors to hire them on major projects.

But rather than set him to work as an on-site labourer, Bosco managers decided to offer the teenager a manager’s shadowing role, giving him an invaluable insight into the day-to-day running of a construction project.

Bosco director Paul Marsh said: ‘‘When we took Richie on we wanted to start developing him in a manager’s role and give him a real idea of the work involved managing a huge £1.2m project.’’

Richie said: ‘‘I am really enjoying my job with the company. I have learnt so much more than if I had just been involved in the labouring side. I can now see a future career for myself in construction and engineering.’’

The training package offered by Bosco involves Richie shadowing experienced staff and undertaking formal qualifications, such as an HNC in engineering.

Richie’s success story mirrors that of Bosco Construction itself. The company was started five years ago by partners Paul Marsh and Bruno Quiligotti and has grown from humble beginnings to establish itself as one of the major players on the north west construction scene.

It employs 24 staff and this year anticipates a turnover of between £8m-£10m.

Along the way the company has clinched a number of major contracts, including a £2.6m project to build a textile factory in Macclesfield and the health centre in Salford. It is now branching into property ownership.